Shubman Gill Likely to Miss Asia Cup 2025 Despite Support from Ajit Agarkar, Gautam Gambhir

New Delhi  – Shubman Gill, despite enjoying superb form across formats, is reportedly set to miss out on India’s squad for the Asia Cup 2025. The 15-member team will be officially announced on Tuesday, but indications suggest that Gill may not feature in the playing mix, a decision that has left many surprised.

Gill has had an extraordinary year, scoring 754 runs in a Test series at an average of 75, including four centuries. He also had a strong IPL season as captain of the Gujarat Titans, piling up 650 runs. With such numbers, expectations grew that he could even be handed leadership in the shortest format. However, sources say the selectors remain unconvinced about his role in India’s current T20 setup.

A report in The Times of India stated that both head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar are “huge fans” of Gill and rate him nearly on par with Virat Kohli in terms of potential. But BCCI has opted to back its existing opening combination.

“Gill is a terrific batsman, and no one doubts his ability. But at present, he does not fit into the T20 scheme. Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma will open, Tilak Varma will bat at No. 3, and captain Suryakumar Yadav comes in at No. 4. Abhishek and Varma are ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in ICC T20I batting rankings. How can you drop them?” a BCCI source told TOI.

Sanju Samson has been in sensational form, smashing three centuries last year, while Abhishek Sharma has risen to the No. 1 spot in the ICC T20I rankings, highlighted by a stunning 54-ball 135 against England. Tilak Varma, meanwhile, has cemented his place at No. 3 after back-to-back hundreds against South Africa and a stellar IPL season with Mumbai Indians.

In comparison, Gill’s T20I record, though consistent, has not been as explosive as his competitors. This could mean he is once again placed in the reserves, as he was during the T20 World Cup last year.

India’s Asia Cup campaign begins on September 9, with the opening match against the UAE, followed by a highly anticipated clash against Pakistan on September 14.